How to Redo Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets play a huge role in setting the overall look and feel of your kitchen space. Over time, even high-quality metal kitchen cabinets can start to show signs of wear and tear. Discolored paint, chipped edges, and rust spots can make your kitchen look dated and worn. Fortunately, with a little time and effort, you can redo metal kitchen cabinets to give them a fresh, updated look.

Assess the Condition of Your Metal Cabinets

Before deciding on how to redo your metal kitchen cabinets, take time to carefully inspect their current condition. Check for signs of:

• Paint wear: Look for areas where the paint has chipped, peeled, or worn off completely, exposing the bare metal underneath. This often occurs along the edges and corners of cabinet doors and drawers.
• Rust spots: Examine inside and outside cabinet surfaces for any rust spots or corrosion, which indicate moisture damage. Rust often shows up around screws/nails and along bottom edges.
• Dents and scratches: Note any dents, chips, or deep scratches in the metal. Filling and sanding may be needed prior to painting.
• Door/drawer alignment: Do doors and drawers open and close properly? If not, hinges and glides may need adjusting/replacing.
• Hardware issues: Check for hardware, like knobs and pulls, that is loose, damaged, or missing. These will need replacing.

Making notes on problem areas will help determine the best approach to redo your metal kitchen cabinets whether by painting, refinishing, or replacing hardware.

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

Before painting, refinishing, or making any repairs, thoroughly clean inside and out. Follow these steps:

• Remove all contents from cabinets, including shelves.
• Use a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner to wash cabinet exteriors, doors, and drawers. Avoid harsh abrasives.
• Clean inside surfaces with a mild soap solution. Rinse with clear water.
• Use denatured alcohol to remove grease and residue. Let dry completely.
• Go over surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper to scuff them up for better paint adhesion.
• Clean up dust with a dry cloth. Vacuum out cobwebs and debris with a shop vac.
• Wipe down with a tack cloth before painting or refinishing.

Proper cleaning removes dirt, oils, and soap film that could impede results. Let cabinets dry fully before moving on.

Repair Damage and Imperfections

Fixing dents, scratches, misalignments, and other damage helps metal kitchen cabinets look revitalized. Consider these repair options:

Fill Dents and Scratches

Use a quality epoxy-based metal filler, applying it carefully with a putty knife. Once dry, sand flush until smooth.

Touch Up Chipped Paint

For small chips, use touch-up paint that matches the existing color. Allow to dry completely before sanding smooth.

Replace Missing/Damaged Hardware

Replace missing or unusable knobs, pulls, hinges, and drawer glides in the existing style or choose new hardware for an updated look.

Adjust Doors and Drawers

Use a screwdriver to adjust hinges and tighten/replace glides so doors and drawers align and function properly.

Replace Rust-Damaged Pieces

If rust damage is severe, it may be best to replace the damaged sections with new metal replacement parts.

Proper repairs extend the life of your cabinets and allow for a better looking end result.

Choose a Finish Option

How you choose to refinish your metal kitchen cabinets will impact the overall look, durability, and cost of your project. Consider these popular options:

Paint

Painting allows you to cover existing surfaces with bold, vibrant colors for dramatic impact. Use a high-quality direct-to-metal paint formulated for use on metal cabinets. To prevent future rust, opt for a paint with built-in rust inhibitors.

Stain

For a natural metal look, staining is a good option. After thorough cleaning, apply a metal-reactive stain that produces rich, translucent colors that showcase the metal’s grain. Top with a polyurethane for protection.

Refinish

Instead of painting or staining, you can lightly sand metal cabinets and apply a new clear topcoat to refresh the existing finish. Consider a water-based polyurethane or acrylic.

Wrap

For a brand new look, wrap cabinet door and drawer fronts with decorative contact paper, vinyl films, or veneer. Leave cabinet boxes as-is or paint to match.

Consider the existing cabinet finish, your preferred style, and budget when deciding on the best refinishing method.

Prep Cabinets for Painting or Refinishing

If painting or refinishing your metal kitchen cabinets, proper prep work is crucial for successful results. Follow these steps:

• Clean surfaces thoroughly to remove all grease, dirt and residue
• Sand surfaces with 180-220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the finish. Wipe away dust.
• Fill any holes/imperfections with metal filler and sand smooth when dry.
• Prime metal with a quality metal primer compatible with your topcoat.
• Apply 2-3 coats of high-quality paint, allowing proper drying time between coats.
• Consider spraying for the smoothest, most consistent coverage on metal.
• Finish with a protective clear coat for added durability and stain resistance.

Taking time to properly prepare metal kitchen cabinets before painting or refinishing allows paint to adhere tightly and look its best.

Spray, Roll, or Brush New Finish

When applying the new cabinet finish, you can use a brush, paint roller, or paint sprayer.

Brushing works well for staining and smaller touch-ups but can leave visible brush strokes. Use high-quality brushes and apply finish in smooth, even strokes.

Rolling with a short-nap roller minimizes brush strokes. Pour paint into a roller pan for easy application. Roll slowly to avoid drips.

Spraying provides the most flawless, professional-looking finish. Invest in a quality paint sprayer or rent one and tent off the area for overspray. Apply in light, even coats.

Regardless of method, apply finish in thin, even coats and allow proper drying time between each. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace Cabinet Hardware

Once your metal kitchen cabinets are freshly painted, stained, or refinished, complete the transformation by replacing old hardware with new knobs, pulls, and handles.

• Opt for satin nickel, chrome, or bronze finishes for an updated look.
• Black and white hardware also keeps things modern and classic.
• Choose hardware that complements your cabinet finish.
• Look for quality hardware constructed from durable materials.
• Install properly using a drill, measuring for uniform spacing.

Replacing worn-out hardware with new, modern pieces gives your redone metal kitchen cabinets a cohesive finished look.

How to Maintain Your Redone Metal Cabinets

To keep your kitchen cabinets looking like new long-term, implement these maintenance practices:

• Wipe spills immediately to avoid stains and finish damage.
• Wash regularly with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Use a stainless steel polish/cleaner to keep handles shiny.
• Inspect annually for any new scratches, paint chips, or rust spots. Touch up as needed.
• Consider resealing painted finishes every 2-3 years for added protection.
• Replace any hardware at first sign of looseness or damage.

With proper care and maintenance, your freshly redone metal kitchen cabinets will stay beautiful and functional for years before needing to be redone again.

FAQs About Redoing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

How do you prepare metal cabinets for painting?

• Clean thoroughly with degreaser and sand surfaces
• Fill any holes/imperfections and sand smooth when dry
• Wipe away all dust then prime with a quality metal primer

What kind of paint should be used on metal cabinets?

Use a high-quality direct-to-metal paint formulated specifically for use on metal cabinets. Opt for satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheens.

Is spray painting better than brushing for cabinets?

Yes, spraying provides a more flawless, professional-looking finish compared to brushing. Use a paint sprayer or hire a professional painter.

What are some ways to give metal cabinets a new look without painting?

Options like staining, refinishing, or wrapping with new contact paper, vinyl films, or veneers can give metal cabinets a new look without painting.

Should you sand metal cabinets before staining?

Yes, sanding creates an ideal surface for the stain to adhere to. Sand gently with 180 grit sandpaper before wiping and applying stain.

How do you repair rust spots on metal cabinets?

Light rust can be sanded down and touched up with a rust inhibiting primer. For severe rust, it’s best to replace the damaged parts with new metal replacements.

What type of primer should be used on metal cabinets?

Use a high-quality metal primer specifically formulated for use on metal. Make sure it is compatible with the finishing paint.

Can you change just the cabinet doors for a new look?

Yes, wrapping or replacing just the doors with new styles gives the cabinets an updated look without replacing the whole set.

How can you adjust cabinet doors that don’t close properly?

Use a screwdriver to adjust the hinges so doors close flush and evenly. Tighten or replace drawer glides for better alignment.

Conclusion

Redoing worn and dated metal kitchen cabinets is a budget-friendly way to revive the look of your kitchen. With some cleaning, repairs, proper finish prep, and new paint or stain, you can give metal cabinets new life. Replace hardware for the finishing touch. Proper maintenance will keep your redone cabinets looking fresh. With a little time and effort, you can achieve stunning results.